Former CEO of CBS, Independent
Search every verified Les Moonves interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Les Moonves resigned as chairman and CEO of CBS in September 2018 following a New Yorker article that included allegations of sexual misconduct by six additional women, bringing the total number of accusers to twelve. The allegations included claims that Moonves forced women to perform oral sex, exposed himself without consent, and used physical violence and intimidation. In a statement, Moonves said the allegations were "untrue" and "not consistent with who I am," and that he was "deeply saddened to be leaving the company." His resignation was part of a settlement with CBS. Prior to his resignation, Moonves had discussed the company's financial performance and strategy on earnings calls. He stated that CBS was growing its subscriber base and average revenue per subscriber, and that content licensing and affiliate fees were becoming a larger share of revenue. He also commented on industry trends, saying that cord-cutting was occurring but that CBS was positioned to benefit through its direct-to-consumer services like CBS All Access and by being included in "skinny bundles." Moonves described the allegations against him as "untrue" and stated that they were "from decades ago."
“Survivor probably more than any other choice you made has been the most important in your eight-year career... when we put it on Thursday night it suddenly changed the whole landscape of television plus they had great demographics.”
“Madison Avenue is determined that 18 to 34 year old or 18 to 49 year olds are a demographic that's very hard to reach... once again we sell 18 to 49 when it's advantageous... the idea is not just to be a slave to 18 to 49 year olds but to sell whatever your strength is.”
“There are a couple of things I think clearly crime drama has been very successful... forensics would be the sexiest thing by the way — an interesting trend now forensics is taught at many colleges because of the TV shows.”
“Although now another factor comes in and that's vertical integration... a certain extent you will always give your sister companies sort of a wink and a first look but there is — you're not gonna put on a bunch of bad programs something because they're produced by you.”
“The only mistake that was made as is the Lynch people — the attorneys and their representatives — were asking about all sorts of other things with a member of our news staff about movies of the week... I was distressed by it... the line has gotten finer and finer and I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.”
“Don Hewitt is a legend in our business... Don will be an executive producer emeritus; Jeff Fager will be the showrunner — Jeff's one of his disciples and trained by him.”
“Running a network may be one of the most powerful things one can do today... I get to put on programs; I'm involved with news, I'm involved with sports, I'm involved with entertainment — I have the greatest job, I love what I do.”
“Viacom cable operations have been unbelievably helpful for us... MTV gives us so much promotional support, VH1, Nickelodeon supplies our Saturday morning program — there are a lot of opportunities.”
“Television is has a golden age of drama going on — I don't think dramatic series television has ever been stronger in terms of the quantity of great shows currently on the air with Law & Order, with CSI, with The Sopranos.”
“We had an extraordinary upfront... as we head into '04 television the prospects are extremely good — number one, we have a presidential race which for television is very exciting because there's more money spent in the marketplace.”
“For the past 24 years it has been an incredible privilege to lead CBS' renaissance and transformation.”
“Untrue allegations from decades ago are now being made against me that are not consistent with who I am.”
“Effective immediately, I will no longer be Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CBS.”
“I am deeply saddened to be leaving the company.”
“No matter the size of the bundle we continue to negotiate deals with distributors at higher rates that better reflect the fair value of our content. During the second quarter we renewed our agreement with the third largest MVPD Charter communication. That means that over the last 18 months we've done deals with the top...”
The New Yorker story quotes six more women who accused the powerful TV executive of inappropriate conduct. He spoke out ...
CBS CEO Les Moonves speaks on CBS's earnings call amid last week's allegations of sexual misconduct.
CBS CEO Les Moonves and CBS COO Joseph Ianniello speak on CBS's earnings call amid last week's allegations of sexual misconduct.
Leslie Moonves, Chairman and CEO, CBS Corporation, speaks with Economic Club president David M. Rubenstein on Thursday ...
CBS Chairman and CEO Les Moonves discusses the company's content strategy, cord cutting, competing with Amazon and ...
Sep.20 -- CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves talks about competing for viewers with digital outlets. He speaks to David ...
Sep.20 -- CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves talks about leadership through listening and observing. He speaks to David ...
Sep.20 -- "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations" explores successful leadership through the personal and professional choices of the most influential people in business. Renowned financier and philanthropist David Rubenstein travels the country talking to leaders to uncover their stories and their path to success. This episode of season three features CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves.
Sep.20 -- CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves talks about breaking NBC's winning streak. He speaks to David Rubenstein for "The David Rubenstein Show: Peer-to-Peer Conversations."
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